None currently, but I would like a better sounding exhaust and perhaps a cold air pack and some color coded step bars

Car thieves are looking thru windshields of vehicles writing down the the VIN and then going to the dealers with the VIN and asking them to cut them a new key because they lost it.
So I guess the best way to discourage that is put a small black card over the VIN #. Just thought I would pass this along.

That sucks. You'd think it would be harder to get a key made than that. Something like having to bring the registration and a show a photo ID matching the name the truck is registered to. I'm pretty sure that covering the VIN is against the law here in Rhode Island.

It's got some truth to it but it isn't that easy to get a key made up plus with new security systems in cars the key has to be matched to the ECU and the vehicle won't start unless it recognizes the key. There are ways around it but it takes a little know how and work.

The truch is this was happening but with a used car lot and a lot of real looking forged title and registration documents.

also seen where they get the vin through windshield then sell your truck on ebay... usually ask for like a $500 deposit then thats it...so they get $500 person gets screwed and you get to deal with person who "bought" your truck without you knowing about it

Car thieves are looking thru windshields of vehicles writing down the the VIN and then going to the dealers with the VIN and asking them to cut them a new key because they lost it.
So I guess the best way to discourage that is put a small black card over the VIN #. Just thought I would pass this along.

Jeff

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If this is the case, lol, what do I do with my 2000 prerunner where the etched my vin # in all my windows????

None currently, but I would like a better sounding exhaust and perhaps a cold air pack and some color coded step bars

A friend of mine did not believe this, so she called a local Dodge dealership and they told her to bring the VIN in and cut her a new key and they told her she could order a remote keyless thingie also.
I am not saying this will happen in every dealership but this is a possibility. I was told thats its not against the law to put something over your VIN, could be a pair of sunglasses, loose change, etc. Of course it is against the law to remove or tamper with the VIN .
I have no answer to those who have there VIN etched on there windows, in reality having the windows done is not a bad idea.
I am not sure what states this is happening in, but my msg came from Mass.
Jeff 06,V6, SR5, 4x4 6spd, radiant red

I called Toyota auto mall of Georgia on this one about 2 months ago and I told them i had lost my keys in a house fire(i hope i never do)and that i needed a new set of keys for my tacoma.I was told "i'm sorry to here about your house,however i can't get you a key or a new set for that matter without an existing key for the truck.I told him i have no keys left.He replied"well you will have to have your truck towed here or to another toyota dealer because that's toyota dealer policy !!".Furthermore if someone cut a key for your taco
and opened the door(that will work for sure)and tried to start the truck it would only "spin over and not fire the ignition"therefore it won't start.
these taco keys(late models)are "transponder keys"thats why the ecm lets the truck start with dealer programmed keys.

All of the ones I know of have the VIN etched on the window. I work for Toyota and I have never heard of just anyone being able to go get a key cut with a VIN and no proof of ownership. The etched window is supposed to be good and you can get a discount on your insurance for it. It it supposed to be like a theft deterrent thing because if your vehicle gets stolen it is easier to track.

I called Toyota auto mall of Georgia on this one about 2 months ago and I told them i had lost my keys in a house fire(i hope i never do)and that i needed a new set of keys for my tacoma.I was told "i'm sorry to here about your house,however i can't get you a key or a new set for that matter without an existing key for the truck.I told him i have no keys left.He replied"well you will have to have your truck towed here or to another toyota dealer because that's toyota dealer policy !!".Furthermore if someone cut a key for your taco
and opened the door(that will work for sure)and tried to start the truck it would only "spin over and not fire the ignition"therefore it won't start.
these taco keys(late models)are "transponder keys"thats why the ecm lets the truck start with dealer programmed keys.

i hope this helps ya'll out--Wes(yes i know my typing sucks)

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To add to this: My wife went out yesterday and tried to get in my truck with her key. My Toyota alarm was on and when she tried to open the door manually it went off.

So you need the auto remote to open the door when the alarm is armed. A key will not work, even one for the truck.

None currently, but I would like a better sounding exhaust and perhaps a cold air pack and some color coded step bars

I am glad to hear that most Taco dealers will not just make keys just on a phone call.
I have a copy of all of my taco paper work and a spare key, put into my safety deposit box in my bank, just in case of a major loss or screw up.

I do agree with TacoSter, that if professional thieves want your car/truck they can get it.
Jeff, 06, V6,6spd SR5.

One of my spares had a little flat metal piece with a number that i had to produce in case i needed a new key. they wont make a key without that code. they said not to lose it or it would be a huge hassle

My dealer will not cut you the remote without a key code.
The key can be cut at any hardware store.
I keep it in a counsole safe with a M1911.
Most cops have auto burg tools to help idiots that lock themselves out. And I have been one.